The Shape of Things to Come

 I’m feeling particularly organised at the moment. Not only did I remember to write this post more than twenty-four hours in advance, but I also managed to put up our Christmas tree before the supermarkets start reducing the price of their turkeys.

 

Somehow, the two tasks I had to do connected in my brain, prompting me to write a shape poem about a Christmas tree. Shape poems are often used to great effect in schools to inspire pupils in their writing. However, this form is not limited to schoolchildren – Brian Bilston has a different take on the Christmas tree theme in his poem, Needles.

 

I’d like to recommend this as a helpful writing exercise, even if – or perhaps especially if – you don’t normally write poetry. As in many short forms of writing, each word has to earn its place, and the writer has to be disciplined in determining how each phrase will fit into the final piece.

 

So, when you’re feeling more stuffed than the turkey on Christmas afternoon and Grandad’s snoring is drowning out the King’s speech, why not have a go? Let me know how you get on! 

Happy Christmas! 

A

star

glitters, its

radiance echoed

in dainty lights sprinkled

over

the branches

like kisses of frost

on a cold winter morning.

Baubles nestle like cosy robins

amongst the scented needles, while

garlands

of shimmering

tinsel wrap the tree

in a welcoming embrace.

Excited children prod and squeeze

the neatly wrapped presents piled around

the sturdy

trunk. And

nearby, in

a well-worn nativity scene,  

weary shepherds keep

vigil, waiting in hope

for the greatest

gift of all.

Fiona Lloyd is Chair of the Association of Christian Writers and is married with three grown-up children. Her first novel, The Diary of a (trying to be holy) Mum, was published by Instant Apostle in January 2018. Fiona also works for Christians Against Poverty.

 

Twitter: @FionaJLloyd & @FionaLloyd16